Memories from the Golden Age of Italian Genre Film: An Interview with Margie Newton
Ahhh yes, the video shop and small cinema movies of yesteryear were filled by so many titles spawned from the incredibly fast-moving movie machines in Italy at the time. Tons of over-the-top horrors, action, fantasy, comedy, and western flicks unleashed almost daily it seemed to tease us with lavish covers and brilliantly entertaining products before our very eyes.
It’s always a marvellous pleasure to meet one of the stars of those glorious years and interview them, to share in their thoughts plus some behind the scenes moments. Margie Newton starred in the infamous cult classic, Zombie Creeping Flesh (aka Virus, aka Hell of the Living Dead), The Adventures of Hercules — to name a couple — plus she took on a very impactful role in The Last Hunter.
Margie Newton made her mark on cult cinema with standout roles in Zombie Creeping Flesh (a.k.a. Virus / Hell of the Living Dead) and delivered an impactful performance in The Last Hunter, cementing her place in the genre.
It was due to the latter film being part of the Treasured Films catalogue that she was invited to Weird Worcester, a convention held in the UK. Weird Worcester is different to many other conventions — for this one has names only the elite fans would know. Fred Williamson, Geretta Geretta, Catriona MacColl, Enzo G. Castellari, and many more (see my diary of conventions article here). Whilst meeting everyone and grabbing photos, I made certain to speak with Margie and request an interview via the internet.
Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Having met you at Weird Worcester — which was so much fun — I heard afterwards that it was actually your first ever convention appearance. Did you enjoy yourself?
I had a wonderful time at Weird Worcester. The affection of so many fans filled my heart. It was my first experience, and I’ve already received invitations to other film festivals around the world.
Was it a great experience meeting the fans to know that the films you were in so many decades ago have gathered so many followers?
An incredible experience. Virus was filmed in 1980. I never thought it would become a cult.
What convinced you to do a convention?
My agent told me, ‘Get some experience and decide if you like it or not.’ I accepted and I really liked it.
I must ask, I know that you left the movie industry to raise a family, but what took you so long to jump into the convention scene?
My daughter is thirty and independent. I’m more free and want to explore new experiences.
You’re known mainly for Hell of the Living Dead, aka Zombie Creeping Flesh, but there’s also those quaint little sci-fi movies, The Final Executioner and Bronx Executioner. Could you please tell us your experiences making those films?
I actually only made one film, and the producer made two, without me knowing. I was very disappointed. I found out many years later.
Ah, we’ll move on from those then. The Last Hunter is a personal favourite film of mine. You have a small role, but it’s such an impact to the story. What was it like working with David Warbeck?
Working with David Warbeck was fantastic. A true professional. He deserved more. He was beautiful and talented. It’s a shame we lost each other after this film.
Antonio Margheriti was a hugely prolific director. What was he like to work with?
Antonio Margheriti helped me a lot in performing my role well.
Speaking of prolific directors, Bruno Mattei of Hell of the Living Dead certainly directed a few films. He had a reputation for working quickly and with a certain ‘gonzo’ approach. What was it like being directed by him, especially in the chaos of a zombie apocalypse with guerrilla tactics and cannibal tribes thrown in?
Bruno Mattei was a great professional. Together with Claudio Fragasso, they created a masterpiece. We actors had more contact with Claudio. It was his job to tell us how he wanted the scenes. I’m very sorry that Mattei can’t be present at the Virus conventions; he would have been proud.
Yeah, definitely, the film has developed a big cult following over the years, often cited as a “so bad it’s good” classic — it’s in my top 10 zombie films, by the way. Do you take pride in being part of a film that continues to fascinate horror fans decades later, even in that ironic sense?
I’m so happy that Virus is still so successful today. I have fans who are twenty years old. It’s incredible. In England, I experienced so much kindness and love from my fans, I never would have imagined this.
Your character Lia has a scene where she strips and paints herself to contact and blend in with a native tribe. Do you remember what the conversations were like around filming that sequence? What was your perspective on it at the time?
I remember the scene where I was running half-naked through the jungle well. At the time, I had a hard time accepting nudity. There were a lot of people who had come to watch us film, and I had them all sent away because I was embarrassed. Anyway, it went well. In the end, I made it.
Back in 2017, I interviewed Franco Garofalo who of course acted alongside you in the film, he explained that he had many issues in life, did these show behind the scenes or was he very easy to work with?
Franco Garofalo was a fantastic actor. He guided me through the film. I rehearsed my scenes with him. I’m very sorry he’s gone. He deserved more. He died very poor. Being an artist isn’t always an easy choice.
Were the rest of the cast and crew fun to work with? Bruno’s films give the impression of lighter and friendlier kind of things.
Yes, we were a family. We all tried our best to make a good film, and I think we succeeded.
In The Adventures of Hercules, the film’s use of stock footage and glowing animated effects made it very unique. When filming, were you aware of how fantastical and exaggerated the final product would become?
No, I didn’t realize how fantastic the film Hercules would be. There were so many of us in the film, so there were no friendships. There wasn’t time. We worked so hard. The film wasn’t released in Italy, only abroad. I don’t know why.
Did you work with or meet Lou Ferrigno, who was already a global icon as The Incredible Hulk, in person? What was your impression of him on set, and how did his presence influence the dynamic of the production?
I’m so sorry to have to tell you that I never met Lou Ferrigno. I never had any scenes with him, and that makes me very sad. I would have liked to have met him.
Going back to the beginning, how did you begin your acting career?
I started acting by pure chance. I was in my first year at the Academy of Fine Arts and a friend of mine asked me to accompany her to an audition. When they saw me, the casting director asked if I could audition too. I did and was chosen. How lucky I was. And that’s how I fell in love with this profession.
According to IMDb, Quiet Days in Clichy was your (to date) final bow in the world of films. Would you consider returning if the correct role came up for you?
No, my last film wasn’t Clichy, it was Happy Days by Cloud Chabrol. I’ve made other very famous films in Italy. I worked until I got pregnant in 1992. If I were offered a role I liked, maybe I’d go back to acting. Who knows…
May I ask about your modelling years? You appeared in publications such as Playmen and such?
Yes, I did the cover of Playmen as a character, not as a Playmate. Over time, I’ve seen nudity as art, a way to express my sensuality. At the Academy of Fine Arts, we had nude models. I drew many of them. I’ve sold many of my paintings featuring nude women and men.
So away from the films of yesteryear and the fandom, who is Margit Evelyn Newton?
I changed my name to Margit Evelina Newton in 1983, when I went to India and an Indian woman who read lucky names gave me the name Margie Newton. The final “e” in Margie would have been shortened to Evelyn. I liked it and made all the other films with Margie Newton. I’m a person who loves life, I love good people, animals, and nature. I paint, read, and practice yoga. I must say, I never get bored.
Is there anything you miss of those years in crazy films?
I try to live life in the present and enjoy every moment of it. I’m so happy with all the wonderful adventures I’ve had and the people I’ve met. They’ve taught me so much. Today I just want to do what I love. One of the things I’d like to do is write a film.
Once again, thank you so much for this interview, it’s been wonderful. One last thing, however, do you have a message for all your fans that are reading this?
Yes, I have a message for my fans who read my interview. I thank each and every one of you for the love I feel, and I hope I can still convey many emotions, perhaps in another horror film. I love you so much.
I noticed, via Facebook that Margie is also appearing at another smaller convention soon. I reckon you’ll be seeing her at many more, she is a true cult film icon.
Here is some additional information about the upcoming Margie appearance mentioned above (supplied by Tom Lee Rutter). It’s in Romford, UK on December 6th, 2025.
World Wide Weird marks it’s tenth anniversary of bringing cult vultures together for psychotronic double bills to fans in London; often with very special guests attending – nothing quite as elaborate as the irresistible lineup on offer here at one of the most exciting independent cinemas in the UK that also specialises in all things cult.
World Wide Weird is proud to present a day of cult cinema with screenings of Macabre(1980), Hell of the Living Dead (1980) and Sayara (2024) featuring special guests (Director) Lamberto Bava, (Actor) Margie Newton and (Director) Can Evrenol.
Each guest will be doing a post screening Q&A covering the films their careers and meeting fans offering table selfies and autographs for a fee.
Guests will sign items brought to their table and will additionally have a limited quantity of their own individually priced merch and photos for sale. Limited numbers of signed ‘Cannibal Worlds’ published by Pulse Books will be available for sale price TBC.
– Autograph and Selfie
– Lamberto Bava £30
– Margie Newton £30
– Can Evrenol £20
Schedule of the day
– 11.30 pm Hell of the Living Dead
– 1.30 pm Q&A with actor Margie Newton
– 2.30 pm Q&A with author Eugenio Ercolani UK Launch of Cannibal Worlds
– 4 pm pm Macabre
– 5.30 pm Q&A with Director Lamberto Bava
– 7.30 pm Sayara
– 9.10 pm Q&A with Director Can Evrenol
Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets must be presented at the Lumiere box office on the day to receive a wristband, which must be shown to enter screening and Q&As.
